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First Sienna, Then Alexa, Now Gigi—Everyone Is Wearing the Trainer Brand You Haven't Heard Of

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The footwear landscape is quietly shifting. While established brands command attention, a new name is steadily gaining traction among discerning style enthusiasts: Axel Vici. First spotted on Sienna Miller, then embraced by Alexa Chung, and now championed by Gigi Hadid, this trainer brand embodies a quiet confidence and understated luxury. Axel Vici isn't about overt branding; it’s about effortless style and a refined aesthetic. For more on cultivating a perfectly curated wardrobe, explore our recent piece on "Wardrobe.NYC x H&M's New Collaboration."
 First Sienna, Then Alexa, Now Gigi—Everyone Is Wearing the Trainer Brand You Haven't Heard Of

The quiet ascent of a trainer brand previously unknown to the wider fashion consciousness speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of luxury and influence. While celebrity endorsements have long been a cornerstone of brand marketing, the current trajectory – Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung, and now Gigi Hadid championing this particular label – suggests a shift towards a more understated, almost organic form of validation. It’s a far cry from the overt, logo-driven campaigns of the past, mirroring a broader cultural desire for authenticity and discernment. We've seen this same subtle power at play in collaborations like Wardrobe.NYC x H&M's new collaboration, which prioritizes timeless design over fleeting trends Wardrobe.NYC x H&M's New Collaboration Has Everything You Need For A Perfect Outfit. The fact that these influential figures are adopting a relatively niche brand signals a growing appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and a sense of exclusivity that isn't necessarily tied to a readily recognizable name. It's about the knowingness, the quiet confidence in choosing something that isn't yet ubiquitous.

This phenomenon isn't entirely new, but its acceleration feels particularly resonant within the current cultural climate. The rise of "quiet luxury" as a defining aesthetic—a rejection of ostentatious displays of wealth in favor of understated elegance—has paved the way for brands that prioritize quality and craftsmanship over blatant branding. The consumer is increasingly sophisticated, seeking products that reflect their personal style and values, rather than simply following the latest trend. Choosing a trainer brand that isn’t plastered across billboards demonstrates a certain level of individual taste. This resonates with the consumer’s desire to cultivate a personal style, something we also observed with the growing popularity of neutral shoe colors for pairing with white jeans The Chicest Shoe Color Trend to Wear With White Jeans Isn't Black or White—It's This Neutral. The emphasis is on the details, the materials, and the overall feel of the product, rather than the logo emblazoned across it. It’s a return to a more considered approach to consumption, one that values longevity and timelessness over fleeting trends.

The strategic brilliance of this brand lies, undoubtedly, in its ability to cultivate a sense of mystery and desirability. By allowing influential figures to organically incorporate the trainers into their everyday wardrobes, the brand avoids the perception of being overtly promotional. This creates a ripple effect, sparking curiosity and driving demand through word-of-mouth and social media buzz. It’s a masterclass in subtle marketing, leveraging the power of aspirational imagery without resorting to aggressive sales tactics. The association with figures like Hadid, known for their impeccable style and discerning taste, lends the brand an immediate air of credibility and sophistication. It's a far more effective approach than saturating the market with advertisements, appealing to consumers who value authenticity and individual expression. Think of the quiet confidence we see reflected in the anticipation surrounding fall boot season Fall Boots Are My Favorite Category to Shop—16 Perfect Pairs From Nordstrom—a similar yearning for quality and timeless design.

Ultimately, this quiet takeover by an emerging trainer brand highlights a significant shift in the fashion industry. The era of relentless branding and manufactured hype appears to be waning, replaced by a growing appreciation for understated elegance, authentic influence, and products that resonate with a deeper sense of personal style. The question now is whether this trend will continue to accelerate, and if other brands will adopt a similar approach to cultivate desirability and build lasting relationships with discerning consumers. Will we see a further fragmentation of the market, with niche brands gaining prominence over established giants, or will the allure of mainstream visibility ultimately prove too powerful to resist? The next few seasons will be crucial in determining the future of luxury footwear and the evolving power dynamics within the fashion landscape.

Whilst in Paris, Gigi Hadid has seemingly decided to make like the French and say c'est la vie to any formal announcement about her relationship with Bradley Cooper. Indeed, the model turned knitwear model has piqued interest by stepping out wearing what is reportedly a wedding ring on her left hand. What intrigued me, however, wasn’t her pointed jewellery choice, but the fact that she wore the cool trainer brand that I presumed only London’s chicest dressers knew about.

The 31-year-old made her way around the city’s arrondissements wearing a ribbed white tank top, suede doctor’s bag and classic blue jeans, completing the classic outfit formula with a pair of mesh-accented trainers from Spanish fashion brand Hoff. The shoes themselves feature a studded gum sole, sheer gingham panels and contrasting burgundy laces.

An image of Gigi Hadid wearing Hoff trainers whilst in Paris with Bradley Cooper.

(Image credit: Shutterstock )

Hadid has always been quite the maximalist, from her penchant for stacks of charm-like jewellery and preference for mixing patterns, and Hoff’s collection of vibrant hues and bold shapes feels like the perfect addition to her off-duty wardrobe. Boasting saccharine colours and eclectic style elements, the Elche-based label has truly made a name for itself as an underrated trainer brand known only by those with discerning tastes.

After undergoing a major brand transformation towards the end of last year, including appointing a new creative director who cut their teeth with roles at Chloé, Balenciaga and Maison Margiela, Hoff quickly began cropping up on the feet of stylish dressers across Europe and the United Kingdom.

For instance, Sienna Miller wore a pair of the brand’s chunky, multi-coloured trainers whilst running errands in Notting Hill, whilst Alexa Chung paired a sleeker plum style with a navy blue pinstripe suit to celebrate the brand’s flagship store opening in Madrid. Whether Hadid was influenced by these outings remains to be seen, but these consecutive sightings prove that Hoff is truly one to watch.

From their balmy crochet collection to the new jacquard style that feels reminiscent of something you’d find in a 17th-century château, read through to shop the chicest Hoff trainers available.

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